Alcoholic beverage dispensing system

ABSTRACT

An alcoholic beverage dispensing system comprising a mother bag having and a plurality of pouches contained within the mother bag. One or more of the pouches includes an alcoholic beverage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/743,613, filed Mar. 21, 2006 and provisional application Ser. No. 60/797,134, filed May 3, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is a system and method for storing, transporting, and dispensing predictable, repeatable, measured amounts of an alcoholic beverage for consumption.

2. Background Art

In the beverage dispensing industry, it would be desirable to store a measured amount of alcoholic beverage in a container that does not deform (like a can) or break (like a bottle). Ideally, the container would have a fixed internal volume that could safely accommodate over time a predictable, measured amount (for example, one- or two-shots) of an alcoholic beverage for human consumption.

Traditionally, miniaturized glass bottles that conventionally contain small amounts of alcohol need to be disposed of after the contents are emptied. Bottles, whether broken or not, contribute to the general problems and volume of safe waste disposal. By nature of the mother bag having a ready opening, it may be convenient to place the empty pouches into the opening of the mother bag for contained disposal of the entire waste generated.

On airplanes, for example, the amount of storage space that is available to accommodate unconsumed miniaturized bottles is limited. Similarly, space available to store the bottles after they are emptied is also limited.

In the transportation industry, the problems of payload and weight also deserve consideration. In some cases, the industry has turned to using plastic containers for beverages. Such containers weigh less than a similarly sized glass container.

One societal problem relates to alcoholic drinking and driving. A causative factor is the perhaps understandable desire of a bartender to ingratiate himself with a customer by generously over-pouring more than one shot of an alcoholic beverage while the customer pays for only one shot. It would therefore be desirable to have readily available a system for dispensing alcoholic beverages in fixed amounts so that both the bartender and the customer respectively know what they are dispensing and consuming. In turn, this may lead to a decline in alcohol-related highway accidents. The consumer or bartender may therefore be able to follow the states charting guidelines that estimate the alcohol that can be consumed per hour.

Among the art identified in a pre-filing preliminary investigation are the following published patent applications and issued U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,903,841; 5,060,835; 5,240,158; 5,890,636; 5,937,617; 6,328,193; 6,652,144; 6,662,829; 6,610,338; D255,621; D291,623; D333,570; D344,178; D444,295S; 2003/0213707 A1; 2004/0040982; 2004/0118859; 2005/0079251; and 2005/0147329.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To address these needs, the invention generally relates to an alcoholic beverage dispensing system in which alcohol for consumption is packaged in sachets or pouches (hereinafter collectively “pouches”). In one embodiment, the pouches can be, but are not limited to 25 ml in volume. In some embodiments, the pouches are the same size. In other embodiments, the pouches are of different sizes. The pouches may contain the same alcoholic beverage. But in other applications, pouches may be assembled so that a grouping may contain more than one type of alcohol. In some cases, alcohols may be pre-mixed within a given pouch.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the pouches are assembled in a mother bag. For example, in one embodiment the mother bag has a re-sealable opening, or a tamper-proof seal which may include, but not be limited to a heat seal.

Because the tamper-proof seal needs to be broken to open or access the contents of the mother bag, a further benefit is that it cannot be opened and re-closed without the integrity of the dispenser being visibly damaged. The mother pouch and its member pouches appear as the original product, intact, as per manufacturer's quality control. This, in turn, will assure consumers that they are in possession of an unadulterated, non-tampered package, which may pass through several hands before appearing on the retailer's shelf for sale.

Prior art carriers, such as cartons or cardboard boxes, can be opened and re-closed with shrink wrapping or adhesive tape that is commonly used to close these forms of containers. This suggests that these forms of packaging are not “fool proof” to tampering.

Another example of the mother bag packaging may involve a vacuum seal. In this example, air is evacuated from the mother bag after the pouches have been loaded into the mother bag. This configuration confers economy in packing density. Likewise, the individual pouches themselves may be so filled with alcohol as to allow any air in the pouch to be evacuated. Other forms of mother bag packaging may involve the use of other gases or other fluids, such as fill material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of an alcoholic beverage dispensing system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, it is assumed that the mother bag is supported by an arcuate gusset that enables the mother bag to be self-supporting in the upright position. Alternatively, the view could be considered as a top plan view of a recumbent bag when, for example, it may be lying flat on a storage shelf. The zip lock reseal lines enable resealing between uses;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of an alcoholic beverage dispensing system in which the mother bag is a flat pouch that is not self-supporting;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of an alcoholic beverage dispensing system but without the zip lock reseal lines;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of an alcoholic beverage dispensing system. As in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the mother bag is supported by an arcuate gusset that enables the mother bag to be self-supporting in the upright position, but this embodiment lacks the zip lock reseal lines;

FIG. 5 depicts multiple sealed pouches that are detachable by perforations between the pouches so that a detached single pouch may remain sealed on all four sides (Embodiment A);

FIG. 6 depicts multiple heat sealed pouches that are connected at their top edges by a strip. They are detachable from the strip by tearing perforations at the top edge of the pouch. This enables the detached single pouches to remain sealed on all four sides (Embodiment B);

FIG. 7 depicts multiple heat sealed triangular pouches connected by perforated lines to each other to form a strip that enables the detached single pouch to remain sealed on all three sides (Embodiment C);

FIG. 8A depicts a side view of a pouch with heat sealed edges, a tear notch and a gusset that enables a pouch to stand alone (Option 1); and

FIG. 8B depicts a side view of a pouch with heat sealed edges and a tear notch (Option 2) that lacks a gusset.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The invention generally relates to an alcoholic beverage dispensing system, in which alcohol for consumption is packaged in sachets or pouches (hereinafter collectively “pouches”). In one embodiment for example, the pouches are 25 ml in volume. In other embodiments, the pouches are 30 ml or 50 ml in volume. The pouches are made of a soft, pliable plastic material which has the attributes of flexibility, imperviousness, and resistance to chemical interaction with the pouch's alcoholic contents.

The pouches are contained in a mother bag, which in one embodiment has a re-sealable opening and a tamper-proof seal which may include, but is not limited to a heat seal. In that this additional tamper-proof seal needs to be broken in order to open or access the contents in the mother bag, for convenience, a number of pouches can be assembled in the “mother” bag. For example, in one embodiment, the mother bag may have a capacity that equals 750 ml, or any other approved container size.

The pouches are typically sealed after they are filled with a measured amount of alcohol. The pouches may be re-sealable or non re-sealable. In use, the alcoholic contents may be accessed conveniently by opening a pouch. The opening means includes for example a perforated tear seam, or at a notch provided along the side or top of the pouch. When the tear seam is opened, the beverage can be poured from the pouch with minimal spillage. The pouches may be any design that meets market-acceptable criteria, as to structure, form and closures.

Thus, FIGS. 1-3 depict examples of embodiments where the mother bag includes or lacks a gusset that enables the pouch to be self-supporting. This is useful for display. In one embodiment, the mother bag may be 7 inches wide and 11 inches tall. It may have a 4 inch gusset to allow the bag to stand alone. Additionally, in some embodiments, the mother bag will have a tamper-proof seal which may include, but not be limited to a heat seal.

In one non-limiting example, enclosed within the mother bag are twenty-five 30 ml portions of alcohol (750 ml in total).

In FIG. 2, the mother bag is a flat pouch that is not self-supporting. This is useful for large bulk orders where the display feature of the dispensing device is not required or advantageous. In one embodiment, the mother bag is 10 inches wide and 20 inches tall. In another example, enclosed within this bag are one hundred twenty 25 ml portions of alcohol (3 liters in total).

Various combinations of size of the mother bag and the number of pouches are considered within the scope of the present invention. Further non-limiting examples include:

1. A 375 ml mother bag enclosing between 1-30 smaller pouches. For example, if there were three smaller pouches, each would include 125 ml of fluid contents, so that the total volume contained within the 375 ml mother bag would be 375 ml of alcoholic beverage. Another example would be 4×25 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage, 4×50 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage and 1×75 ml pouch of alcoholic beverage where the sum of all the varying pouches containing the alcoholic beverage equals 375 ml, preferably indicated on the mother pouch;

2. In this example, the mother bag has a capacity of 750 ml. The number of smaller pouches can be anywhere between 1 and 60 so that the total volume of alcohol contained in the mother bag is equal to 750 ml. An example would be 30×25 ml pouches equals 750 ml, preferably indicated on the mother pouch. Another example would be 1×50 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage and 4×25 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage, 1×30 ml, 1×70 ml pouch of alcoholic beverage and 1×500 ml pouch of alcoholic beverage. Again the total volume of fluid equals 750 ml, preferably indicated on the mother bag. In this case, if n is the number of smaller pouches, 1≦n≦60, where n is an integer between 1 and 60;

3. In this example, the mother bag has a capacity of 1.5 liters. In this embodiment, the number of pouches can be anywhere between 1 and 120, so that the total capacity amounts to about 1.5 liters. An example would be 60×25 ml pouches, preferably indicated on the mother pouch. Another example would be 10×50 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage and 10×100 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage preferably indicated on the mother bag. In this example, 1≦n≦120, wherein n is an integer between 1 and 120;

4. Where the capacity of the mother bag is 3 liters. In this embodiment, the number of pouches can be anywhere between 1 and 240, so the total capacity amounts to 3 liters. An example would be 100×30 ml pouches, preferably indicated on the mother pouch. Another example would be 60×25 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage and 30×50 ml pouches of alcoholic beverage, preferably indicated on the mother bag. In this example, 1≦n≦240, where n is an integer between 1 and 240.

The above are non-limiting examples of varying combinations of small pouches within the mother bag. This alcohol dispensing system includes all of the other combinations of varying sizes and varying numbers of the small pouches within the mother bag. The sum of all the volumes of alcohol beverage in all of the small pouches preferably will equal the indicated volume of the mother bag.

In general, these examples illustrate the following relationship:

-   -   Let V_(n)=volume of mother bag     -   V_(p)=average volume of each pouch in mother bag     -   n=number of pouches in the mother bag then,

V_(n)=n×V_(p)

or n=V_(p)/V_(n).

In FIG. 4, the mother bag may only have a tamper-proof seal which may include, but is not limited to a heat seal. In that this additional tamper-proof seal needs to be broken in order to open or access the contents in the mother bag, this permits the seal to be opened, and one or more of the smaller pouches to be added to, or taken from the mother bag.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the construction of one embodiment, where the pouches are attached to one another side by side, but are not limited to, via perforations and can be separated easily from one another at the perforations. The purpose of this embodiment serves those applications where the pouches can be removed and hung for easy access, space saving or other preferred convenience. For example, an airline beverage cart can have the pouches hanging off the side to create additional space, where the attendant can tear off the last pouch as needed.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the construction of another embodiment, where the pouches are arranged, still side by side but not attached to one another, but using a common strip where the individual loose pouches are attached to this strip, using, but not limited to heat, adhesive, perforations or any other acceptable means of fixation, and can be separated easily from the common strip at the perforations provided or separating them from the common strip if another form of fixation has been used. The purpose of this embodiment serves those applications where the pouches can be removed and hung for easy access, space saving or other preferred convenience. For example, an airline beverage cart can have the pouches hanging off the side to create additional space, where the attendant can remove any pouch at random for convenience.

FIG. 7 shows a “triangular” configuration and an additional example of the construction of embodiment, where the pouches are attached to one another side by side, but are not limited to, via perforations and can be separated easily from one another at the perforations. The purpose of this embodiment serves those applications where the pouches can be removed and hung for easy access, space saving or other preferred convenience. The pouches, may also be packaged as loose and individual.

The mother bag, in one embodiment, has a re-sealable opening, and a tamper-proof seal which may include, but is not limited to a heat seal. Because this tamper-proof seal needs to be broken in order to open or access the inside of the mother bag, one or more of the smaller pouches can be added to, or taken from the mother bag. The mother bag can then be resealed, thereby assuring continued safe retention of the alcohol-containing pouches. Like the pouches, the mother bag is preferably made of a soft, pliable plastic material which has the attributes of flexibility, imperviousness, and a long shelf life. The mother bag may contain hard or soft pliable pouches.

Thus, the pouches may be, but not necessarily, loose, attached to each other or joined and still be enclosed in the “mother pouch.” These pouches may vary in size, design, construction, and shape and still be enclosed in the “mother pouch.” See, e.g., FIGS. 1-4.

The invention includes a concept of packaging alcohol in small sachets or pouches that each contain one or multiple “shots.” These “shot”-containing pouches are preferably enclosed in the mother bag for sale for example to the retail and transport industries. The pouches are impervious to liquid and the seams retain their integrity over time.

After being emptied, the pouches are readily disposable. In contrast to an empty bottle, the empty pouch can be safely flattened. In that condition, a number of disposable containers can be emptied and conveniently stored before ultimate disposition. Because the mother bag has an opening, it may be convenient to place the empty pouches into the mother bag for contained disposal of the entire waste generated.

In FIG. 8A, there is a pouch that has standup ability that uses a gusset. It also has a tear notch and optionally an inclined perforation line that guides the opening of the pouch. In FIG. 8B, the pouch lacks a gusset. Thus, the combination of the pouches and the mother bag present an economical, societally-beneficial, space-saving and lightweight package. For example, in certain packaging the pouches nor the bag will break when dropped. This makes the system ideal for airplanes, ships, ferries, trains and coaches. Such modes of transport will benefit because storage space and weight are at a premium. In general, the disclosed pouches, in comparison to the standard 50 ml bottle, are lighter in weight and smaller when full. When empty, the pouches are lighter and smaller. This makes them environmentally friendly.

The notion of exact 30 ml (1 ounce) portions strongly lends itself to controlled use of alcohol. As mentioned earlier, not all one ounce “shots” poured in bars and similar or other outlets are equal in measurement. In fact, there is more of a tendency to over-pour then to under-pour a drink. Thus, the patron who thinks he has had two drinks may find that he has been served the equivalent of three drinks in alcohol content. Very few patrons take exception to this “free” alcohol. In one instance, for example, some bartenders may receive a more generous tip, depending on how well he tends to a certain customer. The disclosed invention eliminates this tendency. Tips will primarily be determined based on service.

The disclosed system also offers the caterer the control he needs. This is especially true when there is no control of the inventory—for example, outside tent events or outside bars at fairs, festivals and sporting venues.

Another useful feature of the invention is that parents who purchase the disclosed beverage system for home use are able to keep count of the pouches. This may be helpful in situations where it has been known that minors have removed alcohol from regular bottles and topped up the bottle with water. Thus, the disclosed system enhances the caretaker's ability to keep better inventory.

In other circumstances, it may be necessary to carefully control the amount of alcohol consumed in order to stay below a legal limit for drinking, i.e., the alcohol level above which an individual may be subject to legal penalties (e.g., the loss of a driver's license). Such concerns are particularly acute, for example, in the minds of airline pilots, bus drivers, and the persons operating recreational watercraft. By using the disclosed system, such persons may be able to be more vigilant in monitoring the amount of their alcoholic intake.

The disclosed system device will be used to contain and dispense, but not be limited to the various spirits and wines. Table 1 is a non-exhaustive list of such beverages. It is understood that additional alcoholic beverages are included by reference to generic names of alcoholic beverages.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

TABLE 1 Absolut Vodka Distilled Spirits Agua Dulce Wines Wine Alexander Valley Symmetry Wines Wine Alice White Wines Wine Alize Liqueur Distilled Spirits Amberhill Wines Wine Austin Vale Wines Wine Angostura Carribbean Rum Cream Distilled Spirits Antinori Wines Wine B&B Liqueur Distilled Spirits Bacardi Flavored Rums Distilled Spirits Bafferts Gin Distilled Spirits Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur Distilled Spirits Bacardi Gold Rum Distilled Spirits Bacardi Light Rum Distilled Spirits Bacardi O Rum Distilled Spirits Bacardi Rums Distilled Spirits Beaujolais Villages Wine Wine Beaulieu Wines Wine Barton & Guestier Wines Wine Balvenie Doublewood Scotch Distilled Spirits Banrock Station Wines Wine Baron Philippe De Rothschild Wines Wine Bodegas Trapiche Wines Wine Bolla Wines Wine Bombay Sapphire Gin Distilled Spirits Bonterra California Wines Wine Bordeaux Wine Wine Bouchard Pere & Fils Wine Beefeater Gin Distilled Spirits Bella Sera Wines Wine Belvedere Vodka Distilled Spirits Beringer Wines Wine Bernardus Wines Wine Biltmore Estate Wines Wine Biondi-Santi Wines Wine Blackstone Wines Wine Bodegas Montecillo Wines Wine Brilliant Vodka Distilled Spirits Brugal White Rum Distilled Spirits Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey Distilled Spirits Cabo Wabo Tequila Distilled Spirits Callaway Coastal Wines Wine Campari Liqueur Distilled Spirits Canadian Mist Whiskey Distilled Spirits Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Rum Distilled Spirits Captain Morgan Spiced Rum Distilled Spirits Casa Girelli Wines Wine Castello Banfi Wines Wine Cavas Freixenet Champagnes Wine Cavit Wines Wine Chambord Liqueur Royale De France Distilled Spirits Champagne Veuve Clicquot Wine Champagnes Taittinger Wine Charles Heidsieck Champagne Wine Chateau Lafayette Reneau Wines Wine Chateau Souverain Wines Wine Chivas Regal 12 Distilled Spirits Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Distilled Spirits Chopin Vodka Distilled Spirits Christian Brothers Brandy Distilled Spirits Christian Moueix Wines Wine Christiania Vodka Distilled Spirits Ciclon Rum Distilled Spirits Clos Du Bois Wines Wine Cockburn's Special Reserve Port Wine Cointreau Liqueur Distilled Spirits Columbia Crest Wines Wine Concha y Toro Wines Wine Courvoisier Cognacs Distilled Spirits Courvoisier Initiale Extra Cognac Distilled Spirits Courvoisier XO Imperial Cognac Distilled Spirits Coyopa Rum Distilled Spirits Crema del alba Liqueur Distilled Spirits Crown Royal Special Reserve Whiskey Distilled Spirits Crown Royal Whiskey Distilled Spirits Cruzan Flavored Rums Distilled Spirits Cruzan Rums Distilled Spirits Cruzan Single Barrel Estate Rum Distilled Spirits Cutty Sark Scotch Distilled Spirits Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill Champagne Wine Danzante Wines Wine Dekuyper Cordials & Liqueurs. Distilled Spirits Delicato Wines Wine Dewar's Special Reserve 12 Distilled Spirits Dewar's White Label Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits Disaronno Originale Amaretto Distilled Spirits Dolce Wines Wine Domaine Chandon Wines Wine Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut Wine Don Julio Tequilas Distilled Spirits Drambuie Liqueurs Distilled Spirits Dry Creek Vineyard Wines Wine Dry Sack Medium Sherry Wine Dry Sack Solera Especial Sherry Wine Dubonnet Wine Wine Early Times Old Style Kentucky Whiskey Distilled Spirits Ecco Domani Wines Wine Ernest & Julio Gallo Wines Wine Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Distilled Spirits Evita Peroni Wines Wine Famous Grouse Scotch Distilled Spirits Far Niente Wines Wine Fernet-Branca Liqueur Distilled Spirits Ferrari Carano Wines Wine Fetzer Vineyards California Wines Wine Feudo Monaci Wines Wine Finlandia Vodkas Distilled Spirits Folonari Wines Wine Fonseca Guimaraens Vinhos Ports Wine Fontana Candida Wines Wine Forest Glen Wines Wine France Wine Frangelico Liqueur Distilled Spirits Freixenet Wine Fris Flavored Vodka Distilled Spirits Fris Vodka Distilled Spirits Gallo of Sonoma Wines Wine Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey Distilled Spirits Georges Duboeuf Wines Wine Glenfiddich Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits Glenlivet Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt Scotch Whiskies Distilled Spirits Gloria Ferrer Wines Distilled Spirits Godiva Liqueur Distilled Spirits Gosling's Black Seal Rum Distilled Spirits Gossamer Bay Wines Wine Grand Marnier Liqueur Distilled Spirits Greg Norman Estate Wines Wine Grey Goose Flavored Vodkas Distilled Spirits Grey Goose Vodka Distilled Spirits Grey Goose Vodka L'Orange Distilled Spirits Grgich Hills Wines Wine Gruet Wines Wine Hennessy Cognacs Distilled Spirits Hennessy Paradis Extra Cognac Distilled Spirits Hennessy Privilege VSOP Cognac Distilled Spirits Hennessy Very Special Cognac Distilled Spirits Hennessy VSOP Cognac Distilled Spirits Hennessy XO Cognac Distilled Spirits Inniskillin Wines Wine Ironstone Vineyards Wine Wine J&B Scotch Distilled Spirits Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey Distilled Spirits Jack Daniel's Whiskey Distilled Spirits Jacob's Creek Wines Wine Jameson Irish Whiskey Distilled Spirits Jim Beam Black Bourbon Whiskey Distilled Spirits Jim Beam White Bourbon Whiskey Distilled Spirits Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits Johnnie Walker Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits Jose Cuervo 1800 Tequila Distilled Spirits Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila Distilled Spirits Joseph Phelps Vineyards Wines Wine Kahlua Black Russian Cocktail Distilled Spirits Kahlua Liqueurs Distilled Spirits Kahlua Mudslide Cocktail Distilled Spirits Kahlua Rum Cola Cocktail Distilled Spirits Kahlua White Russian Cocktail Distilled Spirits Kendall-Jackson Estate Wines Wine Kenwood Wines Wine King Estate Wines Wine Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Distilled Spirits Korbel California Champagnes Wine Kozak Vodka Distilled Spirits Krug Brut Wine Kutskova Vodka Distilled Spirits KWV Wines Wine La Grande Dame de Veuve Clicquot Champagne Wine Labrot & Graham Bourbon Whiskey Distilled Spirits Lancer's Wines Wine Lanson Brut Black Label Wine Laurent-Perrier Champagne Wine Leonardo Locascio Wines Wine Lillet Wines Wine Lindemans Wines Wine Liquore Galliano Distilled Spirits Louis Jadot Wines Wine Louis Roederer Brut Wine Louis Roederer Brut Premier Wine Luce & Lucente Wines Wine Luna di Luna Wines Wine Macallan Single Highland Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits Magnotta Wines Wine Maker's Mark Bourbon Distilled Spirits Malibu Rum Distilled Spirits Margaritaville Tequila Distilled Spirits Marie Brizard Liqueurs Distilled Spirits Markham Wines Wine Martell Cognacs Distilled Spirits Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac Distilled Spirits Martell VS Cognac Distilled Spirits Martini & Rossi Asti Spumanti Wine Meridian Wines Wine Merryvale Wines Wine Mezzacorona Wines Wine Michigan Wines Wine Midori Liqueur Distilled Spirits Mionetto Wines Wine Montevina Wines Wine Mount Gay Rum Distilled Spirits Mouton-Cadet Wines Wine Mumm Champagnes Wine Niebaum-Coppola Wines Wine Oak Spring Wines Wine Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Distilled Spirits Old St. Andrews Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits Opici Wines Wine Patron Tequilas Distilled Spirits Paul Jaboulet Aine Wines Wine Paul Masson Creme Liqueur Distilled Spirits Paul Masson Grande Amber VS Brandy Distilled Spirits Paul Masson Wines Wine Pearl Vodka Distilled Spirits Penfolds Wines Wine Perrier-Jouet Champagnes Wine Pol Roger Champagnes Wine Polar Ice Vodka Distilled Spirits Portugal Wines Wine Prince Michel Vineyards Wines Wine Pyrat Rums Distilled Spirits R.H. Phillips Wines Wine Rancho Zabacco Wines Wine Raynal French Brandy Distilled Spirits Redwood Creek Wines Wine Remy Martin Cognacs Distilled Spirits Reynolds Wines Wine Robert Mondavi Wines Wine Rodney Strong Wines Wine Ronrico Rums Distilled Spirits Rosemount Estate Wines Wine Round Hill Wines Wine Ruffino Wines Wine Rums of Puerto Rico Distilled Spirits Rutherford Hill Wines Wine Santa Margherita Wines Wine Sauza Hornitos Distilled Spirits Sauza Tequila Distilled Spirits Schmitt Sohne Riesling Wines Wine Seagram's Extra Dry Gin Distilled Spirits Seagram's Flavored Gins Distilled Spirits Seagram's VO Canadian Whiskey Distilled Spirits Seagram's VO Gold Canadian Whiskey Distilled Spirits Shiraz Wine Wine Skyy Flavored Vodkas Distilled Spirits Skyy Vodka Distilled Spirits Smirnoff Flavored Vodkas Distilled Spirits Smirnoff Vodkas Distilled Spirits Southern Comfort Distilled Spirits Southern Twist Liqueur Distilled Spirits Speyside Scotch Distilled Spirits St. Francis Wines Wine St. Supery Wines Wine Sterling Wines Wine Stolichnaya Flavored Vodkas Distilled Spirits Stolichnaya Vodkas Distilled Spirits Stonehaven Vineyards Wines Wine Straccali Wines Wine Sutter Home Wines Wine Taittinger Champagnes Wine Talea Amaretto Cream Liqueur Distilled Spirits Talisker Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits Talus Cellars Wines Wine Tanqueray Gin Distilled Spirits Tanqueray No. Ten Gin Distilled Spirits Taylor Fladgate Port Wine The Balvenie Doublewood Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits The Balvenie Port Wood Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits Torres Wines Wine Trapiche Wines Wine Trentino Wines Wine Trinchero Estate Wines Wine Trinity Oaks Wines Wine Turi Vodka Distilled Spirits Turning Leaf Wines Wine Undurraga Wines Wine Vendange Wines Wine Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur Distilled Spirits Viking Fjord Vodka Distilled Spirits Vincent Van Gogh Vodka Distilled Spirits Vox Vodka Distilled Spirits W&J Graham's Six Grapes Port Wine Wallaby Creek Wines Wine Walnut Crest Wines Wine Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey Distilled Spirits Wild Vines Wines Wine William Grant's Scotch Whiskey Distilled Spirits Winebow Wine Wines of Arizona Wine Wines of France Wine Wines of Georgia Wine Wines of Spain Wine Woodbridge Wines Wine Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select Bourbon Distilled Spirits Wray & Nephew Rums Distilled Spirits 

1. An alcoholic beverage dispensing system comprising: a mother bag that can be opened; and a plurality of pouches contained within the mother bag, one or more of the pouches including an alcoholic beverage.
 2. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the mother bag includes a gusset that enables the bag to be self-supporting in an upright position.
 3. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the mother bag lacks a gusset.
 4. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein at least some of the pouches include a perforated tear seam which enables the alcoholic beverage to be releasably contained within the pouch so that when the tear seam is at least partially opened, the beverage may be poured from the pouch.
 5. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1, where V_(n)=volume of mother bag V_(p)=average volume of each pouch in the mother bag, and n=number of pouches in the mother bag then, V_(n)≧n×V_(p) or n≈V_(n)/V_(p).
 6. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the mother bag has a re-sealable opening.
 7. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the same amount of alcohol is contained in each of the pouches.
 8. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the amount of alcohol contained in at least some of the pouches is unequal.
 9. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 8, where: V_(n)=volume of mother bag X₁=number of pouches of volume 1 (VI) X₂=number of pouches of volume 2 (V₂) X_(n)=number of pouches of volume n (V_(n)) then, V_(n)≈Σ(X₁V₁+X₂V₂+ . . . +X_(n)V_(n)) where 1<n<240.
 10. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 9, wherein V₁=50 ml, X=10, V₂=25 ml, and Y=10, so that V_(n) is equal to 750 ml.
 11. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the amount of alcohol contained in at least some of the pouches is more than one shot of alcohol.
 12. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the amount of alcohol contained in each pouch is one shot of alcohol.
 13. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the alcoholic beverage contained in at least some of the pouches is selected from the group consisting of those alcohols listed in Table 1 and mixtures thereof.
 14. The alcoholic beverage dispensing system of claim 1 wherein the pouches are vacuum-packed within the mother bag so that there is no air between the outside of the pouches and the inside of the mother bag.
 15. An alcoholic beverage dispensing system comprising a plurality of pouches that are interconnected by perforations so that the pouches can be removed individually or severally.
 16. An alcoholic beverage dispensing system comprising a plurality of pouches, each having a long edge and a short edge, wherein the long edges are separated by perforations and one small edge of each pouch is contiguous with one or more continuous strips so that the pouches may be removed from the one or more strips, while other pouches remain detachably attached thereto.
 17. An alcoholic beverage dispensing system comprised of a plurality of triangular pouches wherein two of the sides of at least some of the pouches are connected to a neighboring pouch by perforations. 